Saturday, June 14, 2014

Glassy-Eyed

So it's slow here peeps - cuz it's fast everywhere else - but I thought I'd check in to say a few things...

1. I got new glasses. Everyone says they look terrific - that I seem younger and French - but I feel vaguely clownish. Moreover, I am middle-aged clownish, having been prescribed (and having purchased) progressives. If you don't know what these are, then count yourself lucky. Effectively they're trifocals, designed to allow me to see my knitting on one plane, my computer on another, and the world at large on the third. That's the idea, anyway. Alas, I don't seem to be able to see anything at any distance (not an uncommon thing when introduced to this style of lens that, among other things, diminishes peripheral vision notably) and my depth perception is on a drug trip. This would be less concerning if I hadn't spent so much money on them that you'd be utterly horrified. Seriously, I'm rarely horrified and I'm horrified. More to come, natch, but (happily), despite the prescription change on all fronts, they aren't causing headaches.

2. Unfortunately, just cuz new glasses are not causing headaches, it doesn't mean I'm not totally on the edge for hormonal reasons. I've got my whole body muscle spasm prodrome going on. It's been tough on this front for the last month or so, but that's how it goes. I refuse to suffer in the name of pain. Pain is my body's resistance to its temporary reality. So be it. I've decided to approach all of my experiences with gratitude because this is the only life I have, the only body I have and I will not wish away the time. It's humbling to find that I cannot even lie over a bolster or do a forward bend that isn't stabilized by 2 cedar blocks under my head but it's a lesson in acceptance. If only I could accept the look of my stomach these days... (I'm working on it.)

3. And, a propos of body acceptance, I'm making the Nettie bodysuit. I couldn't wait. It's quite slow going cuz a) I'm slow and b) what's the rush? I had to modify the pattern, per my shape, extensively. I cut the 12 (recognizing that I should have gone up a size re: info from Heather Lou about sizing on the pattern purchased before May 10). It's fine, though, cuz I used my sloper pieces and I simply changed all the relevant bits. In shoulders I was a modified size 12 (10 in some parts, 14 in others) In the bodice, I am veering towards a 14 (I think) that goes to a 12 - and even a 10 - as I near the derriere.

I sense this pattern is quite forgiving, given that it's designed for very stretchy knit. But it is not drafted for someone of my proportions, out of the envelope, which is why I'm so grateful to know how to alter knit patterns to fit me. This one's a wild card because it's a bodysuit that snaps at the crotch. I recognize that I'm making a muslin and that's cool. Despite constant fabric purchases of the early part of this year, I have so little rayon jersey lying around that I had to cut my fabric in every direction possible. I'm ok with that. It's 4-way stretch and I'm not going to waste "almost enough" good fabric. Especially since this is a test garment. Apparently, I can't stock jersey fast enough... I did manage to cut the garment with about a yard of fabric, vs. the 1.5 yards that the pattern calls for.

I'll write more on this when the garment is complete, but I've made modified 3/4 sleeves (I didn't have enough fabric for longer ones) and a neckline that straddles the high and scoop necks that the pattern provides. I copied the Lady Skater neckline which, frankly, is the most flattering home-sewing pattern neckline I've found thus far. I also shortened the bodice by 1 or 2 inches (can't remember), equally on both front and back.

More to follow on this when I have an outcome.

Every time I mention that posting will be slow to non-existent, it seems to presage a phase of mad writing, but I'm going to say it anyway since, for the next 2 weeks, I've got much to accomplish that has nothing to do with sewing or knitting.

Once the vacay starts, I imagine I'll be so amazed by my new environment that there will be much to say.

27 comments:

I made my first nettie last week and it goes together very quickly on the overlocker. It is a bit long in the body though so I'm shortening the next one. I'm also going to put bra guards inside, as my straps peek out a little when wearing it. Hope the muscle spasms ease off before your hols:)

Doesn't it, though! What takes the time is altering the pattern, cutting and taping and getting ready to sew. I made a high back and higher than scoop front so no need for bra guards. But I do want to make different variations.

If it's any consolation I was prescribed the same type of glasses earlier this year...we call them varifocals...and they were a bear to get used to. For at least a month I felt seasick! However, I'm a few months down the line now and absolutely love them. No longer do I need to perch my specs on the end of my nose like an aged and disapproving school marm so that I can knit and watch a movie simultaneously. That does not, however, diminish the horror at having a prescription that in my book is the preserve of aged and disapproving school marms!

I had never thought about progressives till lately, when it seems my vision was blurry all the time. I've worn glasses for distance since I was 12, so this is a new thing. And then to learn that all of the peeps in their mid-40s need them, well, I guess it's not so horrid. I mean, if I can figure out how to see with them! I'm glad to know you've adjusted. Others say that but it seems implausible right now.

Let's hope that you adjust to your new glasses, because so many people get used to progressives after some time.Bright point: you look good in them (and given that you can't see clear right now, I think that all the people who complimented you on them were right). And believe me looking good is not always the case with glasses (even with glasses which cost a small fortune).

I have had progressives for a long time and love them. I don't think it took me more than a week or so to adjust to them, or at least I don't remember it being longer than that. But you are right about the peripheral vision thing. I can't scan items in the near distance the way I used to--like bolts of fabric in the shop, or a nice display of yarn. So for that I have to take the glasses off, scan the old way until I identify something that looks promising, and then put the glasses back on to inspect it up close. It's tolerable, and doesn't seem to slow me down much! Good luck!

I'm glad to hear that you adjusted so quickly. I've heard it can take up to 3 weeks! My husband had to have his digital lenses (the kind I got) downgraded to analogue because he couldn't take it with the digitals. I hope that doesn't happen to me, but if it does, I know the place I purchased from will provide good customer support.

I got new glasses this weekend too! And I'm also finding the adjustment really frustrating. I just had a tiny change in one eye, but it's been more than 24hrs and I'm not used to them yet. (On the other hand, it's been almost 4 weeks since my wisdom teeth came out and that hasn't fully healed yet, so maybe I just need to start having more realistic expectations!) Are we going to get to see your new frames soon?

We're like twins! Except you are the young twin :-) I find, whenever my prescription changes, I need a couple of days to fully adjust. With these, however, it's a whole different universe of adjustment. Those wisdom teeth were a trial, I know. Perhaps you're taking a bit longer to adjust to the glasses cuz you're still a bit off kilter.

And you'll have to see my frames sometime soon. I'm bound to upload photos on my vacation, if not before.

I need new glasses! I've started to get aural migraines again, which that signals that my prescription is off. I am hoping to stay away from the trifocals for as long as I can, but I'm sure they'll be here sooner rather than later. Ten years ago, I actually got LASIK (twice) so that I could hopefully have 10 years without any sort of glasses, but it didn't work. :( Good luck getting used to them.

I'm sorry that your LASIK didn't work! My mother had eye surgery (her prescription was SO BAD) and it worked like a charm. I have really dry eyes though, so I wouldn't be a candidate. Plus, it freaks me out and I like glasses!

I've had progressives for about three years. The first time I got them I had to change them to digital progressives -- that really helped - they had to completely redo the lenses. Recently I had them put the reading adjustment a bit higher and that really helped with not using reading glasses at work (for case law). So, I keep a pair of reading glasses when I'm in bed on my laptop otherwise its the progressives. There should not be any substantial period of adjustment. Really. When they told me that it turned out my lenses were not right. When I had them corrected they work from the start. . . hope that helps!

I don't know if the transition bands are in the right spot but they do say you have to wear them for at least a week before you freak out. Mind you, I'll have no issue having them fixed, if that's how it goes.

I wish you the best. I would recommend being picky (sounds like you are onboard with that:)). I wore them for three years when a simple adjustment up of the reading band would have improved the already good experience that much more. I love the progressives. I've seen Dr. Maloney (LASIK guy here in LA with a 99.5% success rate at 20/20 or lower!) -- but haven't made the appointment because I love being able to see and read -- and see far away too.

I had progressives for 10 years- ages 21 to 31 and then my eyes changed & I went back to single vision lenses. Progressives suit me because I happen to use my eyes naturally the way they are designed to be used so no adjustment period - lucky me! My DH will not wear them - when working on the 'puter he wear his reg. glasses with reading glasses in front of them - quite comical to look at but it works for him.So on my 45th birthday in December, I got put back into progressives & now I can see to sew again! I hope you adjust soon and seeing will be easy for you again.

My first pair of progressives were tough for me to adjust to, so much so that I want back to the very reputable shop I'd bought them at, where they realized someone had misread the prescription. A very costly error on their part, but one they rectified as quickly as possible, and I've been good with my progressives ever since.My current pair though were stinky expensive! Seriously, I have owned 4 or 5 cars (okay, back in the day, secondhand, but not beaters) that cost less. Chrome Hearts frame didn't help, but also I have a potentially Coke Bottle prescription so we always use the expensively dense glass involving carbon or whatever. . . (I'm always down with scientific technology. . . )

I don't think the script is misread but I wonder about the transition band placement. Mind you, I've never worn these before so I know it does take some practice to figure out where and how to look. And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has spent a hefty mortgage payment on these things! You know, they're a style signature, they're worn constantly and they allow us to see the world. I guess I shouldn't begrudge a huge bill every 4 years or so.

As someone who has worn glasses since I was 7 or 8, it's always amazing how long it can take to adjust to them after a big jump. Hopefully, you adjust to them soon and start to love the way they work for you. :-) And I hear ya on the peripheral vision thing--I'm a contact lens wearer, and that's the one thing about my glasses that drives me stark raving mad--I HATE not being able to see out of the corner of my eyes. Peripheral vision is a MUST for moms, LOL!

I can't wait to see your Nettie made up, I'm buying it and probably the Bombshell as soon as hubby's bonus check comes in, but probably won't get to sew up either of them (or anything else for that matter) until after we move.

Interesting that you have found that. I generally adjust quickly, but not this time! Since I've never been able to wear contacts, I can't speak to that degree of peripheral vision. I can imagine if regular glasses drive you nuts, you'd be apoplectic with the progressives :-)

You must buy the Nettie, btw. Perfect for the chic, curvy mum on the go.

Oh dear. I was warned about adjusting to progressives but I took right to them, perhaps it was just because I knew I couldn't see out of my old glasses and it was such a relief. As to depth perception, I don't have it and never have, at least what most people have, and I've grown up learning to gauge depth in different ways so the glasses don't bother me. This is also why I am not a painter, I can't wrap my mind around perspective. Oh well. It is nice to know there is one advantage to having no depth perception though -- you don't notice such mundane things as losing it with new prescriptions.

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